Cubs, O's near Patterson deal

Tejada not involved

BALTIMORE — The Cubs finally may have found a taker for Corey Patterson: the Baltimore Orioles.

Miguel Tejada, however, is not part of the deal.

While Baltimore is no closer to making a blockbuster deal involving their shortstop, the Orioles are "closing in" on a deal that would send a minor-leaguer to the Cubs for Patterson, according to one industry source.

Club officials would not confirm specifics of the proposed trade, but one source suggested the minor-leaguer would not be one of the team's "top five or so prospects."

Patterson, 26, was once considered the jewel of the Cubs' farm system--combining speed, power and strong defense in center field. But last season he batted .215 with a dismal .254 on-base percentage and only 13 homers.

Patterson previously had been mentioned as a potential component in any Cubs deal involving Tejada. The Cubs, among others, remain interested in the Orioles' star shortstop, but nothing is imminent, team Vice President Jim Duquette reiterated.

A few more teams have entered the mix, Duquette said, but wouldn't offer names.

The Tejada-for-Manny Ramirez talks, while stalled, are not dead, Fox Sports reported Thursday, citing sources. The same is true of the talks between the Cubs and Orioles regarding Tejada, which also are stalemated but could revive quickly, the site reported.

Meanwhile, Ramirez's agent, Greg Genske, told Fox Thursday night that Ramirez would consider waiving his no-trade clause for the Orioles or another team, discounting Ramirez's statement to ESPNDeportes.com that he was "staying in Boston."

Ramirez told ESPNDeportes.com, "There will be no trade. I'm staying in Boston, where I'm familiar with the system and where I have a lot of friends, especially David Ortiz." Genske, however, said he called Ramirez after learning of the slugger's remarks, and Ramirez denied making the comments.

"If Boston is able to work out a trade with Baltimore or another team, Manny is still open to making a move," Genske said.

The Phillies have proposed a Bobby Abreu-for-Tejada exchange with the intention of playing Tejada at third base. The Orioles want pitching in addition to outfielder Abreu, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations, Fox reported.